200 Days to the 2014 World Cup: Will Brazil Be Ready—To Host It or to Win It?

This article examines the rationale behind hosting not only the 2014 World Cup, but also the 2016 summer Olympics in a country trying to tackle a recession where millions are currently struggling on a day-to-day basis.  After winning the bid to be the World Cup hosts years ago, they still have difficulty setting up in time, with many worried development won’t be completed by the onset of the games, or with lackluster infrastructure support.  The Confederations Cup, a practice event for the hosts could hardly have gone worse, with massive protests over corruption and frivolous spending rocking the streets across the country.  With worker safety still a major concern and fires in Cuiaba, it’s not a silly question to wonder if Brazil properly prepared for this responsibility that costs untold amounts of money.  Only the following months will let us know if Brazil was a smart choice for soccer’s greatest competition, and whether or not they will be taking home the cup